Chancel repair for individuals

Lucazade

I've been quoted £36 + VAT to set up chancel repair liability, in addition to the cost of the policy. As I'm trying to set the policy myself, I'm finding sites like CSL or Searchpoint seem to require setting up a business account with them in order to purchase cover. I presume that means only estate agents, solicitors etc. can do that.

Does anybody know who can provide the cover to individuals?

Thanks.

Dan-Dan

I dont believe a bog standard member of the public can buy this directly , could be wrong but thats what i was told

dc197

Dan-Dan wrote: »

I dont believe a bog standard member of the public can buy this directly , could be wrong but thats what i was told

I was told this too

Dan-Dan

something to do with the solicitor having necessary insurance cover to take a hit on any !!!! ups?

bouicca21

The majority of search results on chancel repair liability are false positives. For £3.50 you can download the record for the parish in which your property sits (ancient parish not modern one) and see whether there really is any risk. To ascertain the risk check what the record says against section 5 of this leaflet (which also tells ou how to find the relevant document)
http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/help-with-your-research/research-guides/chancel-repair-liabilities-england-wales/

Lucazade

@bouicca21 - thank you for the tips! I did carry out a search (£3.45 for the document to download) and according to the notes I am indeed liable to chancel repair liability

I have made a few enquiries and apparently it is not possible for individuals to purchase cover. As a reference, this is what I received by one of the companies:

[...] Under Financial Conduct Authority regulations, we’re unable to deal with members of the public directly; all enquiries should be sent to us via your solicitor, legal executive or licensed conveyancer. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause, but trust you will appreciate the value of receiving appropriate legal advice regarding the products we provide. [...]

HappyMJ

Lucazade wrote: »

I've been quoted £36 + VAT to set up chancel repair liability, in addition to the cost of the policy. As I'm trying to set the policy myself, I'm finding sites like CSL or Searchpoint seem to require setting up a business account with them in order to purchase cover. I presume that means only estate agents, solicitors etc. can do that.

Does anybody know who can provide the cover to individuals?

Thanks.

Personally I'd just take the risk on myself. Chances of claiming on that insurance is so minuscule that paying £36 plus VAT is a relatively huge amount to pay.

bouicca21

Lucozade - if the document indicates a liability on the parish, it doesn't mean your property is affected.

It probably means you have to go to the next stage of the search. Unless it indicates rectorial liability you need to check the location of your property against the numbered area of the tithe map - only certain defined areas within the parish are liable.

This may be too much bother for you - it's quite straight forward but probably means either visiting The National Archives or the record office that covers the parish.

If it does indicate rectorial liability, you are into a whole different scale of search, one that requires a professional researcher. In that case paying for insurance may well be cheaper.

Lucazade

If it does indicate rectorial liability, you are into a whole different scale of search, one that requires a professional researcher. In that case paying for insurance may well be cheaper.

That's correct, and it is also what my solicitor said - i.e. paying for insurance is cheaper than carrying out the search.

bouicca21

Staffordshire?

moneyistooshorttomention

I specifically checked re indemnity insurance when I bought current house - and wasnt allowed to have any sort of that as a private individual. It does seem to be something that only solicitors/conveyancing firms are allowed to have - though, of course, this may change in the future obviously.

Right now - nope...